Image apparatus and method for selective color transmission based on stored function information

ABSTRACT

An image transmitting apparatus includes a transmitter capable of transmitting color image information and a memory that stores addresses of a plurality of receiving sides together with respective information indicating, for each stored address, whether the corresponding receiving side has or does not have a color receiving function. The apparatus designates a plurality of destinations from among the plurality of receiving sides whose addresses are stored in the memory and discriminates whether or not each of the designated destinations has the color receiving function in accordance with the information stored in the memory. The apparatus then notifies that at least one of the destinations does not have the color receiving function, in response to the discrimination.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/077,910 filedJun. 17, 1993.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image sending or receiving apparatussuch as an apparatus capable of sending or receiving color image data.

2. Related Background Art

In a conventional facsimile apparatus capable of color reading, colortransmitting, and color recording, the color transmission is confinedonly to a specific destination. In other words, if a color transmissionis selected on the sending side, the facsimile apparatus on the sendingside immediately reads the source document in color for the colortransmission on the assumption that an apparatus on the receiving sideis also equipped with a function to transmit or record data in colorwithout any particular attention given to the apparatus on the receivingside.

Also, in a transit sending, the conventional facsimile apparatus may becapable of relaying only monochromic image or of communicating colorimage, but not capable of providing any function required for transitsending.

Now, although it is apparent that the demand on the color transmissionwill increase, which will lead to a wide use of color transmission,there are still many numbers of facsimile apparatuses in use on themarket, which handle only the two-valued information of black and white.Therefore, along the wide spread of the color transmission, there willbe a more mix up of the facsimile apparatuses handling only thetwo-valued data on black and white, and those capable of handling colortransmission. Accordingly, such an inconvenience will often take placethat the receiving side is not equipped with any means to receive colortransmission even if the sending side has selected the colortransmission.

Also, in a facsimile apparatus having the function of color imagecommunication and relaying monochromic image only, but not equipped withany function of executing any transit sending, there is a problem thatit is impossible to send the color image received from the other colorfacsimile apparatus as a transit sending to any facsimile apparatusdedicated only to the monochromic communication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an imagetransmitting apparatus whereby to solve the above-mentioned problemsindividually or totally.

With a view to solving such problems, it is another object of thepresent invention to provide an image transmitting apparatus capable ofexecuting a multiple sending.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an imagetransmitting apparatus capable of sending color image data at a highspeed.

In order to achieve these objectives, an image transmitting apparatuswhich will be disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprises:

discriminating means for discriminating whether the multiple receivingsides have a color receiving function or not;

means for converting a color image information to a monochromic imageinformation;

transmitting means for transmitting the color image information when themultiple receiving sides are discriminated by the aforesaiddiscriminating means as having the color receiving function intransmitting a color image information: and

transmitting means for transmitting the monochromic image informationwhen the multiple receiving sides are discriminated by the aforesaiddiscriminating means as not having the color receiving function.

Also, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a newfunction for a color transmitting apparatus.

The above-mentioned and other objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a facsimile apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a facsimile apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 to FIG. 19 are flowcharts showing the control procedures in acontrol circuit constituting a facsimile apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of the report on the communicationresults according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of the report on the communicationmanagement according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of the one-touch dial listaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 to FIG. 27 are flowcharts showing the control proceduresaccording to a variation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the structure of a facsimileapparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a view showing the transit sending procedures for thefacsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the outline of the transit sendingcontrol for the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a detailed flowchart showing the step S1020 shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a detailed flowchart showing the step S1200 shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a detailed flowchart showing the step S2600 shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a detailed flowchart showing the step S3200 shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a view showing a conversion table used for converting colordata into monochrome data of 64 gradations.

FIG. 36 which comprises FIGS. 36A and 36B is a block diagram showing thestructure of another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 which comprises FIGS. 37A and 37B to FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 whichcomprises FIGS. 44A and 44B to FIG. 47 are views showing the operationof the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the detaileddescription will be made of the embodiments according to the presentinvention.

First Embodiment!

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are block diagrams showing the entire structure of afacsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an NCU (Network control Unit) 2 is connected tothe circuit of a network in order to utilize a telephone network (notshown) for the data communication and others. The unit controls theconnection to the telephone network, the switching to the datacommunication passages, and the loop maintenance. The NCU 2 receivessignals from a signal line 64a, and connects the telephone circuit(signal line 2a) to a telephone set 4 side if the signal receivedrepresents the logical level "0", that is, the signal line 2a isconnected to the signal line 2b. Also, if the signal level of the signalline 64a represents the logical level "1", the telephone circuit isconnected to the facsimile apparatus side, that is, the signal line 2ais connected to the signal line 2c. In this respect, the telephonecircuit is usually connected to the telephone set side.

A hybrid circuit 6 separates the signals of the sending system fromthose of the receiving system. The sending signals from the signal line28a are sent out to the telephone circuit through the NCU 2 via thesignal line 2c. Also, the signals from a communicating destination areoutput to the signal line 6a through the NCU 2 via the signal line 2c. Amodulator 8 receives the procedural signals from the signal line 64b tomodulate them on the basis of the known CCITT Recommendation V.21thereby to output the modulated data to the signal line 8a.

A reading circuit 10 is a circuit to read two-valued information. Inother words, when a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 64c, this circuit reads from a source document (original) tobe sent the image signals for one-line portion in the main scanningdirection sequentially to form the signal lines which represent thetwo-valued black and white. This circuit comprises a photographingelement such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and optical systems, forexample. Then, the signal lines which have been binarized black andwhite are output to a signal line 10a. On the other hand, if a signalhaving the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 64c, thereading circuit 10 is not actuated.

A coding circuit 12 receives the two-valued information data read andoutput to the signal line 10a when the signal having the signal level"1" is output to the signal line 64c, and outputs the data which are MH(Modified Huffman) coded or MR (Modified Read) coded to the signal line12a. Here, the coding circuit 12 is not actuated, either, when a signalhaving the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 64c.

A color information reading circuit 14 reads from a source document tobe sent the image signals for one-line portion in the main scanningdirection sequentially when a signal having the signal level "1" isoutput to a signal line 64d thereby to form the signal linesrepresenting color information. Then, this color information is outputto a signal line 14a. When a signal having the signal level "0" isoutput to the signal line 64d, the color information reading circuit 14is not actuated, either.

Then, a color information coding circuit 16 receives the colorinformation data which are read and output from the signal line 14a whena signal having the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 64d,and outputs the color coded data to the signal line 16a. Here, if asignal having the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 64d, thecolor information coding circuit 16 is not actuated, either.

A memory circuit 18 receives signals from the signal line 12a or signalline 16a by the control exercised by a control circuit 64 through asignal line 64f, and stores them in the memory circuit. Likewise, thiscircuit outputs the information thus stored in the memory circuit to asignal line 18a by the control exercised by the control circuit 64.

A color information decoding/coding circuit 20 receives signals outputfrom the signal line 18a by the control exercised by the control circuit64 through a signal line 64h in order to decode the color information asrequired by converting and coding the size density thereby to output thesignals which agree with the conditions on the receiving side to asignal line 20a.

A coding circuit 22 is a circuit whereby to decode a color information,convert it to a two-valued information, and code the two-valuedinformation. This circuit receives the signal output to the signal line18a in accordance with the control signal from a signal line 64g, anddecodes the color information, converts it to the two-valuedinformation, converts the size density as required, and again decodesthe two-valued information thereby to output the signal which will agreewith the conditions of a facsimile apparatus on the receiving side to asignal line 22a.

A two-valued information decoding/coding circuit 24 receives signalsoutput to the signal line 18a in accordance with the control signal froma signal line 64v, and decodes the two-valued information as required,converts and codes the size and density, to output the signal which willagree with the conditions of a facsimile apparatus on the receiving sideto a signal line 24a.

A modulator 26 executes demodulations on the basis of the known CCITTRecommendation V.27 ter (differential phase modulation), V.29(orthogonal modulation) or V.17. This modulator 26 receives signals fromthe signal line 20a when a signal "0" is output to a signal line 64i.Thereafter, when signals "1", "2", "3", "4", and "5" are output to thesignal line 64i likewise, the modulator receives signals from the signallines 22a, 24a, 16a, 12a, and 62a for modulation and outputs themodulated data to the signal line 26a. Also, an addition circuit 28receives signals from the signal line 8a and signal line 26a and outputsthe result of the addition of these signals to a signal line 28a.

A dedemodulator 30 executes demodulations on the basis of the knownCCITT Recommendation V.21. In other words, receiving signals from thesignal line 6a, the dedemodulator demodulates them on the basis of theV.21 and outputs the demodulated data to a signal line 30a. Also, ademodulator 32 is the one which executes demodulations on the basis ofthe known CCITT Recommendation V.27 ter (differential phase modulation),V.29 (orthogonal modulation) or V.17. Then, the demodulator 32 receivessignals from the signal line 6a for demodulation and outputs the datathus demodulated to a signal line 32a.

A decoding circuit 34 receives signals from the signal line 32a andoutputs the two-valued information which are MH (Modified Huffman)decoded or MR (Modified Read) decoded to a signal line 34a. Also, thedecoding circuit 34 is not actuated when a signal having the signallevel "0" is output to a signal line 64k.

Also, a recording circuit 36 receives the two-valued information fromthe signal line 34a sequentially when a signal having the signal level"1" is output to the signal line 64k and records the two-valuedinformation for each one-line portion. This recording circuit 36 is notactuated, either, when a signal having the signal level "0" is output tothe signal line 64k.

A decoding circuit 38 receives signals from the signal line 32a when asignal having the signal level "1" is output to a signal line 64j, andoutputs the data on the decoded color information to a signal line 38a.This circuit is not actuated, either, when a signal having the signallevel "0" is output to the signal line 64j.

A recording circuit 40 receives color information output to the signalline 38a sequentially when a signal having the signal level "1" isoutput to the signal line 64j and records the color information. Thiscircuit is not actuated, either, when a signal having the signal level"0" is output to the signal line 64j.

A direct sending button 42 is a button used for executing a directsending. When this button is depressed, a depressed pulse is generatedin a signal line 42a. Also, when a clear pass is generated in a signalline 64l, a direct sending lamp 44 is illuminated, thus repeating thelight on→light off→light on per generation of the depressed pulse in thesignal line 42a. When the direct sending lamp 44 is turned off, a signalhaving the signal level "0" is output to a signal line 44a. When thedirection sending lamp 44 is turned on, a signal having the signal level"1" is output to the signal line 44a.

A color transmission selection button 46 is a button used when a colortransmission is executed. When this button is depressed, a depressedpulse is generated in a signal line 46a. Also, a color transmissionselection lamp 48 is turned off when a clear pass is generated in asignal line 64m, thus repeating the light on→light off→light on pergeneration of the depressed pulse in the signal line 64a. Also, when thecolor transmission selection lamp 48 is turned off, a signal having thesignal level "0" is output to the signal line 48a. When the colortransmission selection lamp 48 is turned on, a signal having the signallevel "1" is output to the signal line 48a.

A report preparation circuit 50 receives information output to a signalline 64n and makes reports on communication results and management.

A one-touch and shortened dial register circuit 52 is a circuit toregister whether the destination at each dial is equipped with a colorreceiving function or not. For each storage in this circuit 52, aone-touch or shortened dial signal (01 to 36 for the one-touch, forexample; in this case, any one of the numbers from 01 to 36 or *00 to*99 for the shortened dial; in this case, any one of the numbers from*00 to *99) should be output to a signal line 52a. Then, write pulsesare generated in a signal line 64q after a space, a telephone number(0337582111, for example) corresponding to a one-touch or shorteneddial, a space, and the availability of the color receiving function atthe destination of this dial is output. (Here, it is assumed that 0stands for unregistered; 1, the color receiving function available; and2, color receiving function unavailable.) Then, the telephone number ofthe destination, and the availability of the color receiving function atthis number are registered corresponding to the one-touch dial orshortened dial.

Also, in reading the information stored in this circuit 52, readingpulses are generated in a signal line 64r after a one-touch dial (eitherone of 00 to 36) or a shortened dial (either one of *00 to *99) isoutput to a signal line 52a. In this way, the registered telephonenumber and color function availability corresponding to the designatedone-touch dial or shortened dial are output to the signal line 52a. Inthis respect, a one-touch and shortened dial list preparation circuit 54receives signals output to a signal line 64s and prepares the one-touchand shortened dial list.

A display circuit 56 is a circuit to indicate that the destination isnot equipped with the color receiving function when a signal having thesignal level "1" is output to a signal line 64t. Here, this circuit 56does not indicate anything when a signal having the signal level "0" isoutput to the signal line 64t. A display unit 58 in the operation unitis a circuit to output the depressed information to a signal line 58a asits operation and also display signals from a signal 64u when suchsignals are received.

A calling circuit 60 receives data output to a signal line 64o when acalling instruction pulse is generated in a signal line 64p and sendsout selected signals to a signal line 2b. Also, a data generatingcircuit 62 is a circuit to output a message to a signal line 62a by thecontrol through a signal line 64e when a data output instruction isoutput, indicating that a color information is to be sent out by adesignated coding method in a designated size.

A control circuit 64 reads a color information and stores it in a memorywhen a memory sending is executed in a state that the color informationtransmission is selected. Then, after the storage in the memory, a callis sent to a designated destination to which the memory sending is to beexecuted in order to transmit the color information if the receiver atthe destination is equipped with the color receiving function. If thereceiver is not equipped with any color receiving function, the controlcircuit converts the color information into a two-valued information forits transmission. Also, if a multiple sending is executed in a statethat a color information transmission is selected, the control circuitreads the color information, stores it in the memory, and sends out acall to the designated destination for such multiple sending after thestorage in the memory. At this juncture, if the receiver at thedestination is equipped with a color receiving function, the colorinformation will be transmitted, but if the receiver at the destinationis not equipped with any color receiving function, the color informationis converted into a two-valued information for transmission.

Also, if a direct sending is executed in a state that a colorinformation transmission is selected, the control circuits read thecolor information if the receiver at the destination is equipped with acolor receiving function for the color information transmission, but ifthe receiver at the destination is not equipped with any color receivingfunction, it reads a two-valued information and transmits suchtwo-valued information.

Also, the control circuit 64 stores and records the presence or absenceof any color transmission as well as the execution of such colortransmission in the reports on the communication results and managementmade by the report preparation circuit 50. Further, in a multiplesending, if a color transmission is selected, the control circuit storesthe presence or absence of the execution of color transmission for eachof the parties at the destinations of such multiple sending, and recordsthis as a list of the multiple sending results.

Further, there is provided means for registering whether the receiver atthe destination is equipped with the color receiving function or not inaccordance with each of the one-touch and shortened dials, and when atelephone number is registered with a one-touch or shortened dial, theaforesaid means for registering whether the color receiving function isavailable or not is cleared. Then, after whether any transmission to thedestination at a one-touch or shortened dial is selected or not isascertained, such a telephone number is registered with the aforesaidmeans for registering such availability of the color receiving function.Also, when the one-touch and shortened dial list is selected, whetherthe color receiving function is available or not is also recorded on apart of the list.

Subsequently, the detailed description will be made of the controlprocedures in a facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 to FIG. 19 are flowcharts showing the control procedures of thecontrol circuit 64 constituting a facsimile apparatus according to thefirst embodiment shown in the diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

In FIG. 3, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal having the signallevel "0" to the signal line 64 in step S72 to turn off the CML. In stepS74, the control circuit outputs a signal having the signal level "0" tothe signal line 64c to set the two-valued information reading circuit 10and the two-valued information coding circuit so that these circuits arenot actuated. Then, in step S76, a signal having the signal level "0" isoutput to the signal line 64d to set the color information readingcircuit 14 and the color information coding circuit 16 so that thesecircuits are not actuated.

In step S78, a signal "2" is output to the signal line 64i. Themodulator 26 of the V.27 ter, V.29, and V.17 is set to receive signalsfrom the signal line 24a, and in step S80, a signal having the signallevel "0", is output to the signal line 64k to set the two-valuedinformation decoding circuit 34 and the two-valued information recordingcircuit 36 so that these circuits are not actuated.

In the following step S82, a signal having the signal level "0" isoutput to the signal line 64j to set the color information decodingcircuit 38 and the color information recording circuit 40 so that thesecircuits are not actuated. Also, in step S84, the one-touch andshortened dial register circuit 52 including the presence or absence ofthe color receiving function is cleared. Here, the color receivingfunction at each of the other parties is registered as "unregistered".

In step S86, a clear pass is generated in the signal line 64l to turnoff the direct sending lamp 44. In step S88, a clear pass is generatedin the signal line 64m to turn off the color transmission selection lamp48.

In step S90 shown in FIG. 4, whether any sending is selected or not isexamined. If a sending is selected, the process will proceed to stepS106. If no sending is selected, the process will proceed to step S92.Also, in the step S92 shown in FIG. 5, whether any reception is selectedor not is examined. If a reception is selected, the process will proceedto step S268. If no reception is selected, the process will proceed tostep S94.

In the step S94, the control circuit 64 receives signals from the signalline 58a to judge whether the registeration of any one-touch andshortened dial is selected or not. If such registeration is selected,the process will proceed to step S96 to make both the designatedone-touch and shortened dial registeration with the register circuit 52and the presence or absence of the color receiving function on the sideof the registered party "unregistered". Also, if no one-touch dial orshortened dial registeration is selected, the process will proceed tostep S98.

In the step S98, whether the communication result report andcommunication management report are selected or not is examined. If theoutput is selected, the process will proceed to step S100 to output thepresence or absence of the color transmission selection (this selectionbeing only at the time of sending), the communication result reportincluding the presence or absence of the color transmission execution,and the communication management report to the report preparationcircuit 50. On the other hand, if the output of the communication resultreport and communication management is not selected in the step S98, theprocess will proceed to step S102.

In the step S102, whether the one-touch and shortened dial output isselected or not is judged. If the output is selected, the process willproceed to step S104 to output to the list preparation circuit 54 aone-touch and shortened dial list including information of whether theparty registered at the one-touch and shortened dial is equipped withthe color receiving function or not. Also, in the step S102, if noone-touch and shortened dial output is selected, the process willproceed to step S90.

Meanwhile, in step S106, whether any multiple sending is selected or notis examined. If a multiple sending is selected, the process will proceedto step S108. If no multiple sending is selected, the process willproceed to step S110.

In the step S108, the control circuit 64 receives signals from thesignal line 48a to judge whether any color transmission is selected ornot. If a color transmission is selected, the process will proceed tostep S208 (FIG. 14). If no color transmission is selected, the processwill proceed to step S216 (FIG. 14).

Then, in step S110, signals from the signal line 44a is received tojudge whether any direct sending is selected or not is examined. If adirect sending is selected, the process will proceed to step S222 (FIG.15). If no direct sending is selected, the process will proceed to stepS112.

In the step S112, signals from the signal line 48a are received to judgewhether any color transmission is selected or not. If a colortransmission is selected, the process will proceed to step S114. If nocolor transmission is selected, the process will proceed to step S172(FIG. 11). In other words, in the step S114, the operation of the colorinformation reading circuit 14 and the color information coding circuit16 is set by outputting a signal having the signal level "1" to thesignal line 64d. Also, in the next step S116, the color coded dataoutput to the signal line 16a is stored in the memory circuit 18 throughthe signal line 64f.

Then, in step S118, whether the one-page portion has been read or not isexamined. When the one-page reading is terminated, the process willproceed to step S120 (FIG. 6). If the one-page reading is notterminated, the process will return to the step S116.

In the step S120 in FIG. 6, whether any page to be read next is presentor not is examined. If the next page exists, the process will return tothe step S116. If no page will follow next, the process will proceed tostep S122.

In the step S122, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal having thesignal level "0" to the signal line 64d to set the color informationreading circuit 14 and the color information coding circuit 16 so thatthese circuits are not actuated. In the following step S124, the controlcircuit outputs the telephone number at the designated destination tothe signal line 64o and then, generates a calling instruction pulse inthe signal line 64p to call the designated destination. Thus, in stepS125, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to the signal line64a to turn on the CML.

In step S126, an anteprocedure is represented, and in step S128, whetherthe receiver at the destination is equipped with the color receivingfunction or not is judged. If the receiver at the destination isequipped with the color receiving function, the process will proceed tostep S130. Thereafter, the color information stored in the memorycircuit 18 is sent in the size and density converted as required. On theother hand, if the receiver at the destination is not equipped with thecolor receiving function, the process will proceed to step S152.Thereafter, the color information stored in the memory circuit 18 isdecoded, and this data is converted into a two-valued information.Further, this two-valued information is sent in the size and densityconverted as required. In this respect, the step S130 represents theremaining anteprocedures.

In step S132 in FIG. 7, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal havingthe signal level "0" to the signal line 64i. The modulator 26 of V.27ter, V.29, and V.17 receives signals from the signal line 20a. In thenext step S134, the data stored in the memory circuit 18 are output bythe signal line 64f to the signal line 18a. The decoding/coding circuit20 receives by the control of the signal line 64h signals output to thesignal line 18a to decode the color information as required, and againcode them by converting the size and density thereby to output to thesignal line 20a the signals which will agree with the condition of thereceiver at the destination. Thus, the color information is sent.

In step S136, whether the one-page portion has been sent or not isjudged. If the one page sending is terminated, the process will proceedto step S138, but if the one page sending is not terminated, the processwill return to the step S134.

The step S138 represents a transit procedure. In step S140, whether theentire page has been sent or not is judged. If the entire page has beensent, the process will proceed to step S142. If the entire page has notbeen sent as yet, the process will return to the step S134. In thisrespect, the step S142 represents the remaining post procedures.

In step S144 shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit 64 outputs a signalhaving the signal level "0" to the signal line 64a to turn off the CML.In the following step S146, it is stored for the communication resultand management reports that a color transmission has been selected andexecuted by the current sending. Then, in step S148, whether thedestination for the current sending is registered at the one-touch andshortened dial or not is examined. When the registered destination isselected, the process will proceed to step S150, and if not, the processwill return to the step S90. In the step S150, the information isregistered with the register circuit 52 that the destination registeredat the one-touch and shortened dial for the color transmission isequipped with the color receiving function.

In step S154 in FIG. 8, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal "1" tothe signal line 64i to set the modulator 26 of the V.27 ter, V.29, andV.17 for the reception of signals from the signal line 22a. Then, instep S156, the data stored in the memory circuit 18 are output by thesignal line 64f to the signal line 18a. The coding circuit 22 receivesby the control of the signal line 64g signals output to the signal line18a to decode the color information and convert such information into atwo-valued information, and then, code the two-valued information againto output to the signal line 22a the signal which will agree with thecondition of the receiver at the destination for sending the two-valuedinformation.

In step S158, whether the one-page sending is terminated or not isexamined. If the one-page sending is terminated, the process willproceed to step S160, but if not, the process will return to the stepS156. In this respect, the step S160 represents the transit procedures.

In step S162, whether the entire page has been sent or not is judged. Ifthe sending of the entire is terminated, the process will proceed tostep S164 (FIG. 10). If not, the process will return to the step S156.

In the step S164 in FIG. 10, the control circuit 64 outputs a signalhaving the signal level "0" to the signal line 64a to turn off the CML.Then, in step S166, it is recorded that although a color transmission isselected for the current sending, the two-valued transmission has beenexecuted. In the following step S168, whether the destination forsending is registered at the one-touch and shortened dial or not isexamined. If such destination is registered, the process will proceed tostep S170. If not, the process will return to the step S90.

In the step S170, the information is registered with the registercircuit 52 that the one-touch and shortened dial destination for sendingis not equipped with the color receiving function.

In step S172 in FIG. 11, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal havingthe signal level "1" to the signal line 64c to set the two-valuedinformation reading circuit 10 and the two-valued information codingcircuit 12 so that these circuits are actuated. In the next step S174,the control circuit stores in the memory circuit 18 the two-valued codeddata output to the signal line 12a through the signal line 64f.

Then, in step S176, whether a page has been read through or not isdetermined. If the reading of the page is terminated, the process willproceed to step S178. If the page has not been read as yet, the processwill return to the step S174.

In the step S178, whether any page exists for the next reading or not isdetermined. If there is any for the next reading, the process willreturn to the step S174, but if no page exists for the next reading, theprocess will proceed to step S180. In this step S180, the controlcircuit 64 outputs a signal having the signal level "0" to the signalline 64c to set the two-valued information reading circuit 10 and thetwo-valued information coding circuit 12 so that these circuits are notactuated. Then, in step S182, outputs the telephone number of thedesignated destination to the signal line 64o and generated a callinginstruction pulse in the signal line 64p to call the designateddestination. In the following step S183, the control circuit outputs asignal having the signal level "1" to the signal line 64a to turn on theCML. In the respect, the next step S184 will represent theanteprocedure.

In step S186 shown in FIG. 12, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal"2" to the signal line 64i. The demodulator 26 of the V.27 ter, V.29,and V.17 is set to receive signals from the signal line 24a. In thefollowing step S188, the data stored in the memory circuit 18 is outputto the signal line 18a by the signal line 64f, and the recording/codingcircuit 24 receives by the control of the signal line 64v the signalsoutput to the signal line 18a to decode the two-valued information asrequired for the conversion of the size and density. Thus, theinformation is again coded to output to the signal line 24a the signalwhich will agree with the receiver at the destination for sending thetwo-valued information.

In the next step S190, whether one page sending is terminated or not isdetermined. If the one page sending is terminated, the process willproceed to step S192, but if the one page sending is yet to beterminated, the process will return to the step S188. In this respect,the. step S192 represents the transit procedure.

In step S194 shown in FIG. 13, the control circuit 64 judges whether thesending of the entire pages is terminated or not. If the sending of theentire pages is terminated, the process will proceed to step S196. Ifthe sending of the entire pages is yet to be terminated, the processwill return to the step S188.

In the step S196, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 64a to turn off the CML. In the next step S198, theinformation is stored for the communication result and managementreports that a two-valued transmission has been selected for the currentsending and the two-valued transmission is executed. In the followingstep S200, whether the destination for sending is registered at theone-touch and shortened dial or not is determined. If the destination isregistered, the process will proceed to step S202. If not registered,the process will return to the step S90.

In the step S202, a judgment is made in accordance with theanteprocedures, and whether the receiver at the destination is equippedwith the color receiving function or not is determined. Then, if thereceiver at the destination is equipped with the color receivingfunction, the process will proceed to step S204. If the receiver at thedestination is not equipped with the color receiving function, theprocess will proceed to step S206.

In the step S204, the information is registered with the registercircuit 52 that the destination at the one-touch and shortened dial isequipped with the color receiving function. Also, in the step S206, theinformation is registered with the register circuit 52 that thedestination at the one-touch and shortened dial is not equipped with thecolor receiving function.

If the judgment in the above-mentioned step S108 is affirmative, theprocess will proceed to step S208 shown in FIG. 14. Here, the sameprocesses are executed beginning at the step S114 to the step S122 tocode the color information for the storage in the memory circuit 18.

Also, in step S210, whether sending to all the multiple destinations hasbeen terminated or not is examined. If the sending to all the multipledestinations is yet to be executed, the process will proceed to stepS212. Here, however, if it is ascertained that the sending to all thedestinations is terminated, the process will proceed to step S214.

In the step S212, the same processes beginning at the above-mentionedstep S124 to the step S168 are executed to send the color information ifthe destination is equipped with the color receiving function, or toconvert the color information into a two-valued information for sendingit if the destination is not equipped with the color receiving function.In this respect, no process will return to the step S90 when these stepsare completed. Also, in step S124, the multiple communication resultreport, the presence and absence of the color transmission selection,and the presence and absence of the execution of any color transmissionare registered at each of the destinations and are recorded.

In step S216, the same processes beginning at the above-mentioned stepS172 to the step S180 are executed to code the two-valued informationfor the storage in the memory circuit 18. Also, in step S218, whetherany multiple sending destinations still exist or not is examined. If anystill exists, the process will proceed to step S220. If not, the processwill return to the step S214. Then, in the step S220, the same processesbeginning at the above-mentioned step S182 to the step S206 are executedto send the two-valued information. In this respect, too, no processwill return to the step S90 after the completion of these steps.

In step S222 shown in FIG. 15, the control circuit 64 outputs thetelephone number at the designated destination to the signal line 64oand then, generated a calling instruction pulse in the signal line 64pto call the designated destination. In the next step S224, a signalhaving the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 64a and turn onthe CML.

In step S226, the control circuit receives signals from the signal line48a to judge whether any color transmission is selected or not. If acolor transmission is selected, the process will proceed to step S228.If no color transmission is selected, the process will proceed to stepS264. In this respect, the step S228 and the step S264 represent theanteprocedure. In the step S266, a two-valued information is sent by thesame processes beginning at a step S248 to a step S262 which will bedescribed later.

In step S230 shown in FIG. 16, the control circuit 64 judges whether thereceiver at the destination is equipped with the color receivingfunction or not. If the receiver at the destination is equipped with thecolor receiving function, the process will proceed to step S232, but ifthe receiver at the destination is not equipped with the color receivingfunction, the process will proceed to step S248 shown in FIG. 17.

In step S232 shown in FIG. 16, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal"3" to the signal line 64i to set the demodulator 26 of the V.27 ter,V.29 and V.17 so that signals are received from the signal line 16a.Also, in step S234, a signal having the signal level "1" is output tothe signal line 64d to set the color information reading circuit 14 andthe color information coding circuit 16 so that these circuits areactivated. In step S236, the color information is sent. In the followingstep S238, whether one page sending is terminated or not is judged. Ifthe one page sending is terminated, the process will proceed to stepS240. If the one page sending is yet to be terminated, the process willreturn to the step S236.

Also, the step S240 represents the transit procedures. In the next stepS242, whether sending of the entire pages is terminated or not isjudged. Here, if the sending of the entire pages is terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S244. If the sending of the entire pages isyet to be terminated, the process will return to the step S236. Then, inthe step S244, the postprocedure is executed. In the step S236, a signalhaving the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 64d to set thecolor information reading circuit 14 and the color information codingcircuit 16 so that these circuits are not actuated.

On the other hand, in step S248 shown in FIG. 17, the control circuit 64outputs a signal "4" to the signal line 64i to set the modulator 26 ofthe V.27 ter, V.29, and V.17 so that signals from the signal line 12aare received. Then, in step S250, a signal having the signal level "1"is output to the signal line 64c to set the two-valued reading circuit10 and the two-valued coding circuit 12 so that these circuits areactuated.

Also, step S252 represents the two-valued information sending. In thenext step S254, whether one page sending is terminated or not is judged.Here, if the one page sending is terminated, the process will proceed tostep S256. However, if the one page is yet to be terminated, the processwill return to the step S252.

In the next step S256, the transit procedures are represented. In thefollowing step S258, whether the entire pages have sent or not isjudged. Then, the process will proceed to step S260 if the entire pageshave been sent, but if the entire pages have not been sent as yet, theprocess will return to the step S252.

Also, step S260 represents the postprocedure. The control circuit 64outputs a signal having the signal level "0" to the signal line 64c instep S262 to set the two-valued information reading circuit 10 and thetwo-valued information coding circuit so that these circuits are notactuated.

In step S268 shown in FIG. 18, the control circuit 64 outputs a signalhaving the signal level "1" to the signal line 64a to turn on the CML.In step S270, the anteprocedure is executed. Here, it is notified thatthe receiver at the destination is equipped with the color receivingfunction. Then, in step S272, signals from the signal line 48a arereceived to determine whether any color transmission has been selectedor not is examined. If a color transmission is selected, the processwill proceed to step S274. If any color transmission is not selected,the process will proceed to step S292.

In the step S274, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 65j to set the color information decoding circuit 38 and thecolor information recording circuit 40 so that these circuits areactuated. Also, in step S276, the color information is received andrecorded. Then, in step S278, whether one page sending and recording areterminated or not is examined. If these are yet to be terminated, theprocess will return to the step S276. If terminated, the step S280 whichis a transit procedure will be executed.

In step S282, whether any page exists for the next receiving andrecording or not is determined. If the next page exists, the processwill return to the step S276. If no page exists to follow, the processwill proceed to step S284. This step S284 represents post-procedure.

In the next step S286, the control circuit 64 outputs a signal havingthe signal level "0" to the signal line 64a to turn off the CML. Then,in the following step S288, a signal having the signal level "0" isoutput to the signal line 64j to set the color information decodingcircuit 38 and the color information recording circuit 40 so that thesecircuits are actuated. Also, in step S290, it is stored for thecommunication result and management reports that the current receptionhas been a color receiving.

On the other hand, in step S292 shown in FIG. 19, the control circuit 64outputs a signal having the signal level "1" to the signal line 64k toset the two-valued information decoding circuit 34 and the two-valuedinformation recording circuit 36 so that these circuits are actuated. Instep S294, the two-valued information is received and recorded. In stepS296, whether the one page reception and recording are terminated or notis judged. Here, if it is judged that the reception and recording areterminated, the process will proceed to step S298. If not terminatedyet, the process will return to the step S294. In this respect, the stepS298 represents the middle procedure.

In step S300, whether the next page exists or not is determined. If anypage exists for the next, the process will return to the step S294, butif no page exists for the next, the process will proceed to step S304.This step S304 represents the postprocedure.

In the step S304, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 64a to turn off the CML. In the next step S306, a signalhaving the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 64k to set thetwo-valued information decoding circuit 34 and the two-valuedinformation recording circuit 36 so that these circuits are actuated.Then, in step S308, it is stored for the communication result andmanagement reports that the current reception has been a two-valuedreceiving.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a communication result report in a facsimileapparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a view showinga specific example of a communication management report. Both reportsare characterized in that the selection of a color transmission and thepresence and absence of the color transmission execution arespecifically stated unlike a conventional report of the kind.

Also, FIG. 22 is a view showing a one-touch dial list of a facsimileapparatus according to the present embodiment. This one-touch dial listis characterized in that there is a statement to indicate whether thedestination is equipped with the color receiving function or not amongother statements.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, whether afacsimile apparatus at the destination is equipped with the colorreceiving function or not is judged when a color image transmission isselected. Thus, even when there is a mixture of the facsimile apparatuscapable of executing a color transmission and the one capable ofexecuting only a two-valued information at the destination, it ispossible to execute an appropriate image communication effectively.Particularly, when a color transmission is selected, it is possible tocommunicate with the destination in accordance with the availability ofthe color receiving function of its receiver irrespective of the mode ofcommunication to be executed such as a memory sending, multiple sending,or direct sending.

Also, it is possible to ascertain the frequency of the colortransmission executions, and the executed or unexecuted communication incolor when any color transmission is selected by recording the presenceand absence of color transmission, and the presence and absence of theexecution of color transmission in the communication result report aswell as in the communication management report.

Furthermore, in accordance with the one-touch and shortened dials, it isascertained that the receiver at a particular destination is equippedwith the color receiving function, and the result is recorded in thetelephone number list accordingly. Hence, there is an advantage that byreferring to the list of telephone numbers the sender is able to knowwhether an intended color transmission is executable or not for such aparticular destination.

<Description of an Example of a Variety>

The description will be made of an example of a variety of theabove-mentioned first embodiment. A facsimile apparatus according tothis example of the variety is of the same structure as the oneaccording to the above-mentioned embodiment. Here, therefore, thestructural description will be omitted.

As a variety of the above-mentioned embodiment, it may be possible tomake an arrangement in the sending by means of the one-touch orshortened dial depression that before stating the communication, theoperator should be informed of the unavailability of the color receivingfunction at the destination if a color transmission is selected.

FIG. 23 to FIG. 25 are flowcharts regarding this example of the variety.FIG. 23 shows an example of control when a color transmission isselected for the memory sending; FIG. 24, a color transmission isselected for the multiple sending; and FIG. 25, a color transmission isselected for the direct sending.

Here, the description will be made of another processing example whenthe judgment is affirmative (YES) in the step S112 in the flowchartshown in FIG. 4 among the processes executed for a facsimile apparatusaccording to the above-mentioned first embodiment.

In other words, in step S312 shown in FIG. 23, if it is determined thata destination is specified by means of the one-touch or shortened dial,the process will proceed to step S314. If the destination is notspecified by means of the one-touch or shortened dial, the process willproceed to step S322.

In step S314, whether the specified destination is equipped with thecolor receiving function or not is determined in accordance with theinformation registered in the register circuit 52. If the colorreceiving function is not available at the destination, the process willproceed to step S316. However, if it is found that the color receivingfunction is available at such destination, the process will proceed tostep S322. In this step S316, the control circuit 64 outputs a signalhaving the signal level "1" to the signal line 64t, and displays anindication that the destination is not equipped with the color receivingfunction together with an alarm to be sounded for 20 seconds.

Then, in step S318, signals from the signal line 58a are received tojudge whether or not the operator has already responded by depressing abutton to "suspend communication" or the like. Here, if the operator hasalready responded, the process will proceed to step S324. If theoperator has not responded yet, the process will proceed to step S320.In this step S320, whether the alarm sounding time, 20 seconds, haselapsed or not is judged, and the process will return to the step S318if the 20 seconds have not elapsed as yet. If the 20 seconds havealready elapsed, the process-will proceed to step S322. In this respect,the step S322 is identical to the step S114 in FIG. 4 for theabove-mentioned embodiment.

Also, in the step S318, if the judgment is affirmative (YES), the signalline 64u is controlled in step S324 to display an indication to "suspendthe communication" for five seconds. In the next step S326, a processwill be executed in the same manner as the one in the step S90 shown inFIG. 4 for the above-mentioned embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a view showing a case where a color transmission is selectedfor a multiple sending as described above. Here, in the flowchart shownin FIG. 14 for the above-mentioned embodiment, the process in the stepS208 will be modified as given below.

In other words, in step S330, whether all the destinations of themultiple sending are specified by the one-touch or shortened dials ornot is judged. Here, if the all the destinations of the multiple sendingare specified by the one-touch or shortened dials, the process willproceed to step S322. If all the destinations of the multiple sendingare not specified by the one-touch or shortened dials, the process willproceed to step S340.

In the step S332, the availability of the color receiving function atthe specified destinations is ascertained in accordance with theinformation registered with the register circuit 52. If there is anydestination which is not equipped with the color receiving functionamong them, the process will proceed to step S334. However, if all thespecified destinations are equipped with the color receiving function,the process will proceed to step S340. In the step S344, an indicationthat there is the destination which is not equipped with the colorreceiving function among those of the multiple sending is displayedtogether with such an alarm for 20 seconds.

Also, in step S336, the control circuit 64 receives signals from thesignal line 58a to judge whether or not the operator has alreadyresponded by depressing a button to "suspend the communication" or thelike, for example. When the operator has responded, the process willproceed to step S342. If the operator has not responded yet, the processwill proceed to step S338. In other words, in the step S338, whether thealarming time, 20 seconds, has elapsed or not is determined. If the 20seconds have not elapsed yet, the process will return to the step S336.If the 20 seconds have already elapsed, the process will proceed to stepS340. In this respect, this step S340 executes the same control as theone in the steps from S114 to S122 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 for theabove-mentioned embodiment.

In step S342, the display of an indication to "suspend thecommunication" is executed for five seconds by the control of the signalline 64u, and in step S344, the process identical to the step S90 inFIG. 4 for the above-mentioned embodiment will be executed.

FIG. 25 shows the process in a case where a color transmission isselected for a direct sending as a variation. In other words, if thejudgement in the step S110 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 isaffirmative (YES) in the above-mentioned embodiment, the followingprocess is added between such process and the one in the step S222:

In step S346 shown in FIG. 25, the control circuit 64 receives signalsfrom the signal line 48a to judge whether any color transmission isselected or not. If a color transmission is selected, the process willproceed to step S348. If no color transmission is selected, the processwill proceed to step S358.

In the step S348, whether any destination is specified by the one-touchor shortened dial or not is judged. If a destination is specified by theout-touch or shortened dial, the process will proceed to step S350.However, if no destination is selected by the one-touch or shorteneddial, the process will proceed to step S358.

Also, in the step S350, whether the specified destination is equippedwith the color receiving function or not is determined in accordancewith the information registered with the register circuit 52. If nocolor receiving function is available at such destination, the processwill proceed to step S352. If the color receiving function is available,the process will proceed to step S358. In the step S352 of these steps,the control circuit 64 outputs a signal having the signal level "1" tothe signal line 64t, and displays an indication to the effect that thedestination is not equipped with the color receiving function togetherwith an alarm for 20 seconds.

In the following step S354, signals from the signal line 58a arereceived to determine whether or not the operator has already respondedby depressing a button to "suspend the communication" or the like, forexample. Here, if the operator has already responded, the process willproceed to step S360. If the operator has not responded as yet, theprocess will proceed to step S356. In this step S356, whether theabove-mentioned 20 seconds have already elapsed or not is examined. Ifthe 20 seconds have not elapsed yet, the process will proceed to stepS354, but if the 20 seconds have already elapsed, the process willproceed to step S358. In this respect, the step S358 executes the sameprocess as the one in the step S222 shown in FIG. 15 for theabove-mentioned embodiment.

On the other hand, in step S360, the control circuit 64 displays anindication to "suspend the communication" for five seconds by thecontrol of the signal line 64u, and in the next step S362, the sameprocess will be executed as the one in the step S90 shown in FIG. 4 forthe above-mentioned embodiment.

As described above, in the present variety, when a color transmission isselected for a destination called by the one-touch or shortened dial,the operator will be informed of the unavailability of the colorreceiving function prior to the communication if such destination is notequipped with this particular function. Therefore, it is possible toprovide a user with a facsimile apparatus which is more useful.

Also, in such a case that a color transmission is selected on thesending side, the receiving side is not equipped with the colorreceiving function, and therefore, the image data is transmitted as atwo-valued information, the receiving side will be informed of thisevent. Hence, there is an advantage that the user on the receiving sideis able to know easily that although the output image is a monochromeone, the information thus received from the sending side is a colorinformation.

In this respect, according to the present variety, an arrangement ismade so that the communication will continue unless the operatorspecifies the suspension of the communication when a color transmissionis selected, but the receiver at the destination is not equipped withthe color receiving function. However, it may be possible to arrange sothat the communication will be suspended unless the operator specifiesthe continuation of the communication when a color transmission isselected, but the receiver at the destination is not equipped with thecolor receiving function.

Also, in the multiple sending, whether all the destinations are equippedwith the color receiving function or not is examined, but it may bepossible to arrange so that the color transmission will be executed onlyto the destinations which are equipped with the color receivingfunction. Then, to the destinations which are not equipped with anycolor receiving function, a report on the result of the multiple sendingis issued to inform to the effect that the transmission is not executedbecause of the unavailability of the color receiving function on thatparticular destination.

Further, the color receiving function is considered with respect to theone-touch or shortened dialing, but it may be possible to register theavailability of the color receiving function at such a destinationcalled by operating the ten keys while the number of communications arespecified. Here, the destination which should be registered may bedecided upon the frequency of the communication, or it may be possibleto store such destinations by giving priority to the availability orunavailability of the color receiving function on the destinations.Also, for the one-touch or shortened dialing, only the registration oftelephone numbers is taken into account, but it may be possible toregister abbreviated titles or some other information.

Moreover, one communication is executed in a mode which is specified atthe outset (either the color transmission mode or the two-valuedtransmission mode), but it may be possible to arrange so that the colortransmission and two-valued transmission are selective partway of thecommunication. Also, it is considered that in receiving whether thecommunication result report, communication management report, and thecolor transmission are executed or not should be recorded. However, whena communication is selected, it may be possible to notify in theanteprocedure an information of whether the sending side is equippedwith the color transmitting function or not in addition to theinformation whether or not any color transmission is to be executed, andto additionally record the information of whether the sending side isequipped with the color transmitting function or not in thecommunication result and management reports at the time of receiving.

Also, in such a case where a color information transmission is selected,but the receiver at the destination is not equipped with the colorreceiving function, a sending side executes a two-valued informationtransmission from the sending side to the receiving side. In this case,it may be possible to notify to the effect that the two-valuedinformation thus transmitted has been for a color information whichcould have been executed otherwise.

FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are flowcharts showing the steps required fornotifying an intended transmission of a color information as describedabove. The flowchart shown in FIG. 26 is for the control of the memorysending and the multiple sending, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 27 isfor the control of the direct sending.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 26 represents a process to follow the oneexecuted when the judgment is negative (NO) in the step S128 shown inFIG. 6 for the above-mentioned embodiment. In step S372 in FIG. 26, theremaining anteprocedure, that is, the same process as in the step S152in FIG. 6 for the above-mentioned embodiment, is executed. In step S374,a signal "5" is output to the signal line 64i to set the modulator 26 ofthe V.27 ter, V.29, and V.17 for receiving signals from the signal line62a.

In step S376, the data which indicates that the transmission of a colorinformation is intended is sent by controlling the signal line 64e.Then, in step S378, it is represented to execute a process in the sameway as in the step S154 shown in FIG. 8 for the above-mentionedembodiment.

Also, it is represented that the process in step S380 of the flowchartshown in FIG. 27 is identical to the process following the negativejudgment (NO) in the step S230 shown in FIG. 16 for the above-mentionedembodiment.

In step S382 shown in FIG. 27, a signal "5" is output to the signal line64i to set the modulator 26 of the V.27 ter, V.29, and V.17 forreceiving signals from the signal line 62a. In the following step S384,the data to indicate that the transmission of a color information isintended is sent by controlling the signal line 64e. Also, it isrepresented that step S386 executes the same process as in the step S248shown in FIG. 17 for the above-mentioned embodiment.

Also, it may be possible to notify the receiver at a destination of theintended color transmission by a protocol instead of sending out amessage.

Second Embodiment!

Hereinafter, the description will be made of a second embodimentaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the structure of a facsimileapparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 28, a CPU 102 is acentral control unit which is connected to a ROM 103 and a RAM 104through a bus 100. Thus, the CPU controls the entire systems of theapparatus in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 103. Also,the RAM 104 is used as the work area for the CPU 102.

The image on a source document is read mainly by a CCD line sensor 111and a reading motor 123. The image recording of an reception image andcopied image is executed by a recording head 112 and a recording motor124. Also, a modem 114 performs the modulation/demodulation of imagedata and control procedural data, which is connected to the circuitthrough an NCU 115. This NCU 115 holds the loop current of the circuitand executes the circuit exchange for a telephone set 134.

Subsequently, the detailed description will be made of a transitcommunication control according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a view showing the procedures of a transit communication fora facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 30 is aflowchart showing the outline of the transit communication for thisapparatus.

As shown in FIG. 30, the transit communication for this apparatusconsists of the receiving and recording process (step S1010) of a colorimage from a facsimile apparatus which requests a transit sending; aprocess (step S1020) of the color/monochrome conversion of the receivedcolor image which is executed by the facsimile apparatus carrying outthe transit communication; and a process (step S1030) of sending to thetransit destination the image which has been converted by an automaticdialing to the transit destination.

Here, in the transit communication procedures shown in FIG. 29, thetransit destination is represented as one place only, but the number ofthe destination can be singular or plural. Also, among a plurality offacsimile apparatuses at destinations, there may be a mix up of thosecapable of handling a color reception and those incapable of handlingany color reception. Therefore, in the step S1020 of the flowchart shownin FIG. 30, the received color image is not eliminated, but stored in amemory even when the received color image is converted into amonochromic image.

FIG. 31 is the detailed flowchart for the step S1020 shown in FIG. 30.In FIG. 31, various parameters are initialized in step S1100 (a pagecounter being set to one, for example), and in step S1200, a color imageof one-page portion is converted into a monochromic image in accordancewith the facsimile apparatus at the destination as shown in FIG. 32. Inthe next step S1300, the page counter is incremented by one, and in stepS1400, whether the conversion of the entire pages is terminated or notis determined on the basis of the values of this page counter.

Also, FIG. 32 is the detailed flowchart for the step S1200 shown in FIG.31. In FIG. 32, whether the received image is in color or not isdetermined in step S2200. If the image is monochromic, the process willproceed to step S2400 to store it in the image memory area for a transitcommunication (transit buffer). On the other hand, if the received imageis in color, whether the transit destination is equipped with a colorreception or not is judged in step S2300.

If this destination is capable of receiving the color transmission, theprocess will proceed to step S2500 to transfer the received color imageto the transit buffer. However, if the destination is incapable ofreceiving any color transmission, the color image is converted into amonochromic image and transferred to the transit buffer in step S2600.

Regarding the above-mentioned step S2600, its detailed process will bedescribed as follows:

FIG. 33 is the detailed flowchart for the step S2600 shown in FIG. 32.In step S3100 shown in FIG. 33, various parameters are initialized,including the zero setting of the line counter or the like, for example.In step S3200, the color line for one-page portion is converted into amonochromic image of 64 gradations. Then, in step S3300, the linecounter is incremented by one to perform the line counting. In stepS3400, whether the conversion of the entire lines is terminated or notis determined in accordance with the values of the line counter. If theresult is affirmative (YES), it is interpreted that the color data ofthe one-page portion have been converted into the image of the 64gradations. Thus, the process will proceed to step S3500.

In the step S3500, the parameter for the next step is set (the linecounter=0). In the following steps S3600, S3700, and S3800, theconversion to the intermediate tonality is executed by an errordiffusion method.

FIG. 34 is the detailed flowchart for the step S3200 shown in FIG. 33.In FIG. 34, the parameters are initialized in step S4100 (the bitcounter being set at zero, for example). In step S4200, the color pixeldata of one bit portion are converted into a monochromic data of 64gradations.

Then, in the next step S4300, the bit counter is incremented, andwhether the color data of the one-line portion have been converted intothe monochromic data of 64 gradations or not is judged in the followingstep S4400.

FIG. 35 is a conversion table for converting a color data into amonochromic data of 64 gradations. Here, on the assumption that thecolor data of one pixel portion is represented by the total of threebytes for R, G, and B and the monochromic data of the 64 gradations isrepresented by one byte as shown in FIG. 35, the 64 kinds of64-gradation monochromic data are assigned to the color data of256×256×256. In the actual conversion, the monochromic data of 64gradations corresponding to the color data is obtained from the tableshown in FIG. 35. A color data of R=0, G=0, and B=0 corresponds to themonochromic data=0, and represents "white" as the actual color.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the receptionof a color image is possible. There is also an advantage that a colorimage can be transmitted as a transit sending to the facsimile apparatuswhich handles only a monochromic image by providing a color/monochromicconverting function for a facsimile apparatus which is capable ofexecuting a transit sending, thus converting the color image to themonochromic image by the color/monochromic converting function.

In this respect, the present invention is applicable to both a systemcomprising a plurality of equipment and a system comprising oneequipment.

As set forth above, according to the present embodiment, there is aneffect that it is possible to execute an appropriate communication evenwhen there is a mix up of the facsimile apparatus capable of handlingthe color transmission and the one capable of handling the transmissionof only two-valued information because the transmission is executed inaccordance with the judgment on the availability of the color receivingfunction of the receiver on the destination.

Also, it is possible to know easily the frequency of color transmissionby recording the presence and absence of color transmissions and thoseof the color transmission executions in the reports on the communicationresults and management.

Also, there is an effect that the receiving side is able to recognizethat the received information is derived from a color information byinforming the receiving side from the sending side of this event whenthe color image is sent as a two-valued information.

Furthermore, in a facsimile apparatus capable of executing a transitsending, it is possible to transmit a color image with the judgment onthe availability of color receiving function at the transit destinationwithout giving up the execution of such transit sending.

FIGS. 36A and 36B are block diagrams showing another embodiment of afacsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIGS. 36A and 36B, a reference numeral 5002 designates a networkcontrol unit (NCU) which is connected to the terminal of the circuit inorder to use a telephone network for data communication and the like,and arranged to control the connection of the telephone exchangenetwork, switching over of the data communication passages, and loopmaintenance. A signal line 5002a is a telephone line. The NCU 5002receives a signal from a signal line 5054a, and if the level of thissignal is "0", the telephone line is connected to the telephone setside, that is, the signal line 5002a is connected to a signal line5002b. Also, a signal is received from a signal line 5054a, and if thelevel of this signal is "L", the telephone line is connected to thefacsimile apparatus side, that is, the signal line 5002a is connected toa signal line 5002c. In a usual state, the telephone line is connectedto the telephone set side.

A reference numeral 5004 designates a telephone set.

A reference numeral 5006 designates a hybrid circuit which separates thesignals of the sending system from those of the receiving system. Thesending signals from the signal line 5030a are sent out to the telephonecircuit through the NCU 5002 via the signal line 5002c. Also, thesignals from a communicating destination are output to the signal line5006a through the NCU 5002 via the signal line 5002c.

A reference numeral 5008 designates a modulator to perform modulationson the basis of the known CCITT Recommendation V21. The modulator 5008receives the procedural signals from the signal lines 5054b formodulation and outputs the modulated data to the signal line 5008a.There is no need for such a modulator when a digital transmission isexecuted.

A reference numeral 5010 designates a circuit for reading two-valuedinformation to read image signals sequentially from a sending sourcedocument in the main scanning direction when a signal having the signallevel of "1" is outputs to a signal line 5054d; thus forming the signalarray which represents a two-valued black and white. The two-valuedblack and white signal array formed by a photographing element such asCCD (Charge Coupled Device) and an optical system is output to a signalline 5010a. The signal line 5010 is not actuated at all when a signalhaving the signal level "0" is not output to the signal line 5054d.

A reference numeral 5012 designates a circuit which receives thetwo-valued information data read and output to the signal line 5054dwhen the signal having the signal level "1" is output to the signal line5010a, and outputs the data which are MH (Modified Huffman) coded or MR(Modified Read) coded to the signal line 5012a. Here, this circuit 5012is not actuated at all when a signal having the signal level "0" isoutput to the signal line 5054d.

A reference numeral 5014 designates a color information reading circuitwhich reads from a sending source document sequentially the imagesignals for one-line portion in the main scanning direction when asignal having the signal level "1" is output to a signal line 5054c;thus forming the signal lines which represent color information. Then,this color information is output to a signal line 5014a. When a signalhaving the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 5054c, thiscircuit 5014 is not actuated at all. In this respect, according to thepresent embodiment, a photoelectric converting element for reading usesa color sensor having reading elements arranged at the points R, G, B inthat order, for example, and the two-valued information reading circuit5010 reads out only six components of such a sensor as this.

A reference numeral 5016 designates a circuit which receives the .dataread on color information output to the signal line 5014a when a signalhaving the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 5054c, andoutputs the color coded data to the signal line 5016a. If a signalhaving the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 5054c, thiscircuit 5016 is not actuated at all.

A reference numeral 5018 designates a color information detectingcircuit which outputs a signal having the signal level "0" to a signalline 5018a when a clear pulse is generated in a signal line 5054e, andoutputs a signal having the signal level "1" to a signal line 5018a whendetecting a color information in the information which have been read. Adetection such as this discriminates the chromatic components from theoutput of the aforesaid color sensor by determining whether thedifference between the maximum value and the minimum values of the R, G,B data is more than a given value or not, for example.

A reference numeral 5020 designates a memory circuit which receives thesignals output to the signal line 5012a or signal line 5016a by thecontrol of a signal line 5054f and stores them in the memory circuit.Also, this circuit outputs the information thus stored in the memorycircuit to a signal line 5020a by the control of the signal line 5054f.

A reference numeral 5022 designates a color information decoding/codingcircuit which receives signals output to a signal line 5020a by thecontrol of a signal line 5054g, and outputs to the signal line 5022a thesignal which agrees with the conditions of the receiver at thedestination by decoding the color information as required, convertingand coding the size, and again coding it. For a coding as this, it maybe possible to adopt a compressing method called ADCT, a method calledIPEG, or other color binalization method.

A reference numeral 5024 designates a circuit for decoding a colorinformation, converting it to a two-valued information, and coding thetwo-valued information. This circuit receives the signal output to thesignal line 5020a by the control of a signal line 5054h, and decodes thecolor information, converts it to the two-valued information, convertsthe size density as required, and again decodes the two-valuedinformation thereby to output to a signal line 5024a the signal whichwill agree with the conditions of the receiver at the destination.

A reference numeral 5026 designates a two-valued informationdecoding/coding circuit which receives signals output to the signal line5020a by the control of a signal line 5054i, and decodes the two-valuedinformation as required, converts and codes the size and density,thereby to output to a signal line 5026a the signal which will agreewith the conditions of the receiver at the destination.

A reference numeral 5028 designates a modulator which executesmodulations on the basis of the known CCITT Recommendation V.27 ter(differential phase modulation), V.29 (orthogonal modulation) or V.17.The modulator 5028 receives signals from the signal line 5022a when asignal "0" is output to a signal line 5054j. Thereafter, when signals"1", "2", "3", and "4" are output to the signal line 5054o likewise, themodulator receives signals from the signal lines 5024a, 5026a, 5012a,and 5016a for modulation and outputs the modulated data to the signalline 5028a.

A reference numeral 5030 designates an addition circuit which receivessignals from the signal line 5008a and signal line 5028a, and outputsthe result of the addition to a signal line 5030a.

A reference numeral 5032 designates a demodulator which executesdemodulations on the basis of the known CCITT Recommendation V.21. Thisdemodulator 5032 received signals from the signal line 5006a, anddemodulates them on the basis of the V.21 to output the demodulated datato a signal line 5032a.

A reference numeral 5034 designates a demodulator which executesdemodulations on the basis of the known CCITT Recommendation V.27 ter(differential phase modulation), V.29 (orthogonal modulation) or V.17.Then, the demodulator 5034 receives signals from the signal line 5006afor demodulation and outputs the data thus demodulated to a signal line5034a.

A reference numeral 5036 designates a circuit which receives signalsfrom the signal line 5034a and outputs the two-valued information whichare MH (Modified Huffman) decoded or MR (Modified Read) decoded to asignal line 5036a when a signal having the signal level "1" is output toa signal line 5054m. The circuit 5036 is not actuated at all when asignal having the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 5054m.

A reference numeral 5038 designates a recording circuit which receivesthe two-valued information from the signal line 5036a sequentially whena signal having the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 5054m,and records the two-valued information for each one-line portion. Thiscircuit 5038 is not actuated at all when a signal having the signallevel "0" is output to the signal line 5054m.

A reference numeral 5040 designates a circuit which receives signalsfrom the signal line 5034a when a signal having the signal level "1" isoutput to a signal line 5054n, and outputs the data on the decoded colorinformation to a signal line 5040a. This circuit 5054 is not actuated atall when a signal having the signal level "0" is output to the signalline 5054n.

A reference numeral 5042 designates a recording circuit which receivescolor information output to the signal line 5040a sequentially when asignal having the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 5054nand records the color information. This circuit 5042 is not actuated atall when a signal having the signal level "0" is output to the signalline 5054n.

A reference numeral 5044 designates a circuit which generates a pulse toindicate a color information in a signal line 5044a when receivingsignals from a signal line 5034a and detecting an information whichrepresents the color information.

A reference numeral 5046 designates a calling circuit which receivesdata output to a signal line 5054l when a calling instruction pulse isgenerated in the signal line 5054l, and sends out a selection signal tothe signal line 5002b.

A reference numeral 5048 designates a storing circuit which for storingeither a color information or a monochromic two-valued informtioncorresponding to the page number used when a page number for a colorpage information is notified from the receiver in the destination eitherat the time of a memory sending or in an anteprocedure. When stored inthe circuit 5048, a page number (01, for example) is output to a signalline 5048a; then a space; then zero for a color information or one for atwo-valued information; and then, in continuation, the informationregarding the next page number in the same format, and a write pulse isgenerated in a signal line 5054o. Hence, either the color information orthe two-valued information will be recorded corresponding to the pagenumber. Also, when reading the information stored in the circuit 5048, areading pulse is generated in a signal line 5054p after a page number(03, for example) is output to the signal line 5048a. Hence, theinformation (zero for the color information and one for the two-valuedinformation) registered corresponding to the page number is output tothe signal line 5048a.

A reference numeral 5050 designates a direct sending button. When thisbutton is depressed, a depressed pulse is generated in a signal line5050a.

A reference numeral 5052 designate a direct sending lamp which is turnedoff when a clear pass is generated in a signal line 5054q, and repeatsthe light on→light off→light on per generation of the depressed pulse inthe signal line 5050a. When the direct sending lamp 5052 is turned off,a signal having the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 5050a.When the direction sending lamp 5052 is turned on, a signal having thesignal level "1" is output to the signal line 5052a.

At the time of receiving, the aforesaid storing circuit 5048 storeswhether the notified page number and the color information is amonochromic two-valued information or not as described earlier, and atthe time of sending, this circuit stores whether or not each of thesending pages is for a color information or for a monochromic two-valuedinformation. The control circuit 5054 has in it a means fordiscriminating the output from a detecting circuit 5018 which detects acolor information or a two-valued information per page, and when adirect sending is selected, the control circuit allows a colorinformation to be transmitted for the page which is judged to contain acolor information by the aforesaid detection circuit 5018 when thereceiver at the destination is equipped with the color receivingfunction; or a two-valued information to be transmitted for the pagewhich is judged by the aforesaid discriminating means to contain atwo-valued information: and a two valued information to be transmittedfor all the pages when the receiver at the destination is not equippedwith the color receiving function. Also, when a memory sending isselected, a color information is coded for the page which is judged bythe aforesaid detecting circuit 5018 to contain a color information andis stored in the memory circuit 5020; and a two-valued information iscoded for the page which is judged by the aforesaid detecting circuit5018 to contain a two-valued information and stored in the memorycircuit 5020. Then, the specified destination is called. If the receiverat the destination is equipped with the color receiving function, acolor information is transmitted as the color information, and atwo-valued is transmitted as the two-valued information. If the receiverat the destination is not equipped with the color receiving function,the color information is converted into a two-valued information for atwo-valued transmission, while a two-valued information is transmittedas the two-valued information. Here, the size and density conversion isexecuted for all of them as required. In this respect, when a colorinformation is transmitted, an indication that the transmission is for acolor information is additionally provided for the leading portion ofeach page information. In a facsimile apparatus capable of colortransmission and color recording, the color page information is recordedby a color recording means while the two-valued page information isrecorded by a two-valued means.

FIGS. 37A and 37B are flowcharts showing the control of the controlcircuit 5054 shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

In FIGS. 37A and 37B, step S5060 represents an initiation.

In step S5062, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054a to turn off the CML.

In step S5064, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054d set the two-valued information reading circuit 5010and the two-valued information coding circuit 5012 so that thesecircuits are not actuated.

In step S5066, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054c to set the color information reading circuit 5014 andthe color information coding circuit 5016 so that these circuits are notactuated.

In step S5068, a signal "2" is output to the signal line 5054j to setthe modulator 5028 of the V27 ter, V29, and V17 to allow it to receivesignals from the signal line 5026.

In step S5070, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054m to set the two-valued information decoding circuit andthe two-value recording circuit 5038 so that these circuits are notactuated.

In step S5072, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054n to set the color information decoding circuit 5040 andthe color information recording circuit 5042 so that these circuits arenot actuated.

In step S5074, a clear pulse is generated in the signal line 5054q toturn off the direct sending lamp 5052.

In step S5076, whether any sending is selected or not is judged. If asending is selected, the process will proceed to step S5082. If nosending is selected, the process will proceed to step S5078.

In the step S5078, whether any receiving is selected or not is judged.If a receiving is selected, the process will proceed to step S5228. Ifno receiving is selected, the process will proceed to step S5089 for theexecution of some other processing.

In step S5082, whether any multiple sending is selected or not isjudged. If a multiple sending is selected, the process will proceed tostep S5174. If no multiple sending is selected, the process will proceedto step S5084.

In the step S5084, signals from the signal line 5852a are received.Whether any direct sending is selected or not is judged. If a directsending is selected, the process will proceed to step S5181. If nodirect sending is selected, the process will proceed to step S5086.

In the step S5086, the page counter is set at one.

in step S5088, a clear pulse is generated in the signal line 5054e.After the color information detecting circuit 5018 is cleared, a pageinformation corresponding to the page counter will be read.

In step S5090, an information is received from the signal line 5018a.Whether the information designated by the page counter contains anycolor information or not is judged. If a color information is contained,the process will proceed to step S5092. If no color information iscontained, the process will proceed to step S5120.

In the step S5092, the information designated by the page counter isstored in the circuit 5048 storing a color information or a two-valuedinformation as a color page corresponding to the page number.

In step S5094, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054c to set the color information reading circuit 5014 andthe color information coding circuit 5016 so that these circuits areactuated.

In step S5096, the color coded data output to the signal line 5016a isstored in the memory circuit 5020 through the signal line 5054f as apage information of the page counter.

In step S5098, whether the one-page reading is terminated or not isjudged. If the one-page reading is terminated, the process will proceedto step S5100. If the one-page reading is yet to be terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S5096.

In the step S5100, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054c to set the color information reading circuit 5014 andthe color information coding circuit 5016 so that these circuit are notactuated.

In step S5102, whether the next page exists or not is judged. If thenext page exists, the process will proceed to step S5104. If no pageexists next, the process will proceed to step S5106.

In the step S5104, the value of the page counter is incremented by one.

In step S5106, the telephone number of the designated destination isoutput to the signal line 5054h. Then, a calling instruction pulse isgenerated in the signal line 5541 to call the designated destination.

In step S5108, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054a to turn on the CML.

Step S5110 represents the anteprocedures.

In step S5112, whether the receiver at the destination is equipped withthe color receiving function or not is judged. If the color receivingfunction is equipped, the process will proceed to step S5114. If nocolor receiving function is equipped, the process will proceed to stepS5150.

The step S5114 represents the remaining anteprocedure.

In step S5116, the page counter is incremented by one.

In step S5118, the information in the storing circuit 5048 to indicate acolor information or a two-valued information is received correspondingto the page number. Whether the information corresponding to the pagenumber contains a color information or not is judged. If any colorinformation exists, the process will proceed to step S5128. If no colorinformation exists, the process will proceed to step S5144.

In step S5120, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054d to set the two-valued information reading circuit 5010and the two-valued information coding circuit 5012 so that thesecircuits are actuated.

In step S5122, the two-valued coded data output to the signal line 5012ais stored in the memory circuit 5020 through the signal line 5054f as apage information of the page counter.

In step S5124, whether the one-page reading is terminated or not isjudged. If the one-page reading is terminated, the process will proceedto step S5126. If the one-page reading is yet to be terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S5122.

In the step S5126, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054d to set the two-valued information reading circuit 5010and the two-valued information coding circuit 5012 so that these circuitare not actuated.

In step S5128, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054j to set the modulator 5028 of V27 ter, V29, and V17 forreceiving signals from the signal line 5022a.

In step S5130, a unique signal representing a color information at theleading portion of an image information is sent at first. (For example,an ECM mode, that is, if a data is HDLC formatted, the initial FCF isnot necessarily at 06H, but it is set at 46H). Then, by the control ofthe signal line 5054f, the data stored in the memory circuit 5020 areoutput to the signal line 5020a, and by the control of the signal line5054g, signals output to the signal line 5020a are received to decodethe color information as required, convert the size and density, andagain code it for outputting a signal which will agree with thecondition of the receiver at the destination; thus sending the colorinformation.

In step S5132, whether the one-page sending is terminated or not isjudged. If the one-page sending is terminated, the process will proceedto step S5134. If the one-page sending is yet to be terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S5130.

The step S5134 represents the transit procedures.

In step S5136, whether the entire-page sending is terminated or not isjudged. If the entire-page sending is terminated, the process willproceed to step S5140. If the entire-page sending is yet to beterminated, the process will proceed to step S5138.

In the step S5138, the value of the page counter is incremented by one.

The step S5140 represents the postprocedures.

In step S5142, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line S5054a to turn off the CML.

In step S5144, a signal "2" is output to the signal line 5054j to setthe modulator 5028 of the V27 ter, V29, and V17 for receiving signalsfrom the signal line 5026a.

In step S5146, a unique signal representing a color information at theleading portion of an image information is sent at first. (For example,an ECM mode, that is, if a data is HDLC formatted, all the FCF is set at46H). Then, by the control of the signal line 5054f, the data stored inthe memory circuit 5020 are output to the signal line 5020a, and by thecontrol of the signal line 5054i, signals output to the signal line5020a are received to decode the two-valued information as required,convert the size and density, and again code it for outputting a signalwhich will agree with the condition of the receiver at the destination;thus sending the two-valued information.

In step S5148, whether the one-page sending is terminated or not isjudged. If the one-page sending is terminated, the process will proceedto step S5134. If the one-page sending is yet to be terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S5146.

Step S5150 represents the remaining anteprocedure.

In step S5152, the page counter is incremented by one.

In step S5154, the information in the storing circuit 5048 to indicate acolor information or a two-valued information is received correspondingto the page number. Whether the information corresponding to the pagenumber contains a color information or not is judged. If any colorinformation exists, the process will proceed to step S5156. If no colorinformation exists, the process will proceed to step S5164.

In the step S5156, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054j to set the modulator 5028 of V27 ter, V29, and V17 forreceiving signals from the signal line 5024a.

In step S5158, a unique signal representing a color information at theleading portion of an image information is sent at first. (For example,an ECM mode, that is, if a data is HDLC formatted, all the FCF is set at06H). Then, by the control of the signal line 5054f, the data stored inthe memory circuit 5020 are output to the signal line 5020a, and by thecontrol of the signal line 5054h, signals output to the signal line5020a are received to decode the color information, convert thisinformation into a two-valued information, convert the size and densityas required, and again code the two-valued information for outputting tothe signal line 5024a a signal which will agree with the condition ofthe receiver at the destination; thus sending the two-valuedinformation.

In step S5160, whether the one-page sending is terminated or not isjudged. If the one-page sending is terminated, the process will proceedto step S5162. If the one-page sending is yet to be terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S5158. The step S5162 represents thetransit procedures.

Step S5164 represents the control in the steps from S5144 to S5148, inwhich a unique signal is added to the leading portion of the imageinformation to indicate that the information is not colored one, butthat a two-valued information is sent.

In step S5166, whether the entire-page sending is terminated or not isjudged. If the entire-page sending is terminated, the process willproceed to step S5168. If the entire-page sending is yet to beterminated, the process will proceed to step S5172.

The step S5168 represents the postprocedures.

In step S5170, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054a to turn off the CML.

In the step S5172, the page counter is incremented by one.

In step S5174, those processes in the steps S5086 to S5104, and S5120 toS5126 are represented. Here, if the judgment is negative (NO), theprocess will proceed to the step to follow. In other words, the sendinginformation is stored in the memory circuit 5020.

In step S5176, whether any destination still remains or not is judged.If any destination still remains, the process will proceed to stepS5178. If no more destination exists, the process will proceed to stepS5076.

In the step S5178, those process in steps S5106 to S5172 where the stepS5126 is eliminated from the step S5120. In other words, the calling isissued to a designated destination, and the information stored in thememory circuit 5020 is sent.

In step S5180, the telephone number of a designated destination isoutput to the signal line 5054h, and then, a calling instruction pulseis generated in the signal line 5054l to call the designateddestination.

In step S5182, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054a to turn on the CML.

Step S5184 represents the anteprocedures.

In step S5186, whether the receiver at the destination is equipped withthe color receiving function or not is judged. If the color receivingfunction is equipped, the process will proceed to step S5188. If nocolor receiving function is equipped, the process will proceed to stepS5220.

The step S5188 represents the remaining anteprocedure.

In step S5189, a clear pulse is generated in the signal line 5054e.After the color information detecting circuit 5018 is cleared, a pageinformation corresponding to the page counter will be read.

In step S5190, an information is received from the signal line 5018a.Whether the information designated by the page counter contains anycolor information or not is judged. If a color information is contained,the process will proceed to step S5192. If no color information iscontained, the process will proceed to step S5206.

In the step S5192, a signal "4" is output to the signal line 5054j toset the modulator 5028 of V27 ter, V29, and V17 for receiving signalsfrom the signal line 5016a.

In step S5194, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054c to set the color information reading circuit 5014 andthe color information coding circuit 5016 so that these circuits areactuated.

In step S5196, a unique signal which indicates that the information is acolored one is sent to the leading portion of an image information atfirst. (For example, an ECM mode, that is, if the data is HDLCformatted, the initial FCF is not set only at 06H, but is set at 46H).Then, the color information is sent.

In step S5198, whether the one-page reading is terminated or not isjudged. If the one-page reading is terminated, the process will proceedto step S5200. If the one-page reading is yet to be terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S5196.

In the step S5200, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054c to set the color information reading circuit 5014 andthe color information coding circuit 5016 so that these circuits are notactuated.

Step S5202 represents the transit procedures.

In step S5204, whether the next page exists or not is judged. If thenext page exists, the process will proceed to step S5189. If no pageexists next, the process will proceed to step S5216.

In step S5206, a signal "3" is output to the signal line 5054o to setthe modulator 5028 of V27 ter, V29, and V17 for receiving signals fromthe signal line 5012a.

In the step S5208 shown in FIG. 44B, a signal having the signal level"1" is output to the signal line 5054d to set the color informationreading circuit 5010 and the two-valued information coding circuit 5012so that these circuits are actuated.

In step S5210, a unique signal which indicates that the information isnot a colored one is sent to the leading portion of an image informationat first. (For example, an ECM mode, that is, if the data is HDLCformatted, all the FCF is at 46H). Then, the two-valued information issent.

In step S5212, whether the one-page reading is terminated or not isjudged. If the one-page reading is terminated, the process will proceedto step S5214. If the one-page reading is yet to be terminated, theprocess will proceed to step S5210.

In the step S5214, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054d to set the two-valued information reading circuit 5010and the two-valued information coding circuit 5012 so that thesecircuits are not actuated.

The step S5216 shown in FIG. 45 represents the postprocedures.

In step S5218, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line S5054a to turn off the CML.

Step S5220 represents the remaining anteprocedure.

Step S5222 represents the steps S5206 to S5214. In other words, theunique signal which indicates that the information is not the coloredone is sent to the leading portion of the image information at first.Then, the two-valued information is sent.

Step S5224 represents the transit procedures.

In step S5226, whether the next page exists or not is judged. If thenext page exists, the process will proceed to step S5222. If no pageexists next, the process will proceed to step S5216.

In the step S5228 shown in FIG. 46, a signal having the signal level "1"is output to the signal line 5054a to turn on the CML.

Step S5230 represents the anteprocedures. Here, it is notified that thereceiver at the destination is equipped with the color receivingfunction.

In step S5232, it is represented that an image signal is received. Here,if, for example, an FCF is detected in an ECM mode, the process willproceed to step S5234.

In the step S5234, whether any information which indicates a colorinformation is present at the leading portion of the page or not, thatis, the initial FCF is 46H or 06H in the ECM mode, for example, isjudged. If an information representing a color information exists (inthe ECM mode, the initial FCF is 46H), the process will proceed to stepS5236. If any color information is absent (in the ECM mode, the initialFCF is 06H), the process will proceed to step S5252.

In the step S5236, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054n to set the color information decoding circuit 5040 andthe color information recording circuit 5042 so that these circuits areactuated.

In step S5238, it is represented that a color information is receivedand recorded.

In step S5240, whether one-page receiving and recording are terminatedor not is judged. If not terminated, the process will proceed to stepS5238. If terminated, the process will proceed to step S5242.

In the step S5242, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054n to set the color information decoding circuit 5040 andthe color information recording circuit 5042 so that these circuits arenot actuated.

Step S5244 represents the transit procedures.

In step S5246, whether the next page exist or not is judged. If the nextpage exists, the process will proceed to step S5232. If no page existsnext, the process will proceed to step S5248.

The step S5448 represents the postprocedures.

In step S5250, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054a to turn off the CML.

In step S5252, a signal having the signal level "1" is output to thesignal line 5054m to set the two-valued information decoding circuit5036 and the two-valued information recording circuit 5038 so that thesecircuits are actuated.

In step S5254, it is represented that a two-valued information isreceived and recorded.

In step S5256, whether the one-page receiving and recording areterminated or not is judged. If not terminated, the process will proceedto step S5254. If terminated, the process will proceed to step S5258.

In the step S5258, a signal having the signal level "0" is output to thesignal line 5054m to set the two-valued information decoding circuit5036 and the two-valued information recording circuit 5038 so that thesecircuits are not actuated.

(Still Another Embodiment-2)

In the foregoing embodiment, it is considered that sending is executedwith an indication of a color information which is additionally providedfor the leading portion of each page information when a colorinformation is sent. However, it may be possible to notify the receiverof the total page number as well as the page numbers of color pageinformation in the anteprocedures when a memory communication or amultiple communication is executed.

FIG. 47 is a view showing the part of the control which differs fromthose shown in FIG. 37A to FIG. 46.

In FIG. 47, step S5260 represents the affirmative judgment (YES) in thestep S5112 shown in FIG. 38.

Step S5262 represents the remaining anteprocedure. Here, the pagenumbers of the color page information and the total page number arenotified to the receiver at the destination.

Step S5264 represents the step S5116 in FIG. 38.

Step S5266 represents the step S5228 in FIG. 46.

Step S5268 represents the anteprocedures. Here, the availability of thecolor receiving function is notified to the transmitter on the sendingside. Also, when the page numbers of the color page information and thetotal page number are notified from the transmitter on the sending side,such notification is stored in the storing circuit 5048 for the colorinformation or two-valued information in accordance with the pagenumbers.

In step S5270, whether the page numbers of the color page informationand the total page number are notified or not is judged. If notified,the process will proceed to step S5274. If not notified, the processwill proceed to step S5272.

Step S5277 represent the step S5232 in FIG. 46.

In the step S5274, the page counter is incremented by one.

In step S5276, signals from the circuit 5048 for storing the colorinformation or two-valued information are received in accordance withthe page numbers, and whether the page information at the page counteris for color or not is judged. If the information is for color, theprocess will proceed to step S5280. If not for color, the process willproceed to step S5278.

The step S5278 represents the step S5252 in FIG. 46.

The step S5280 represents the step S5236 in FIG. 46.

Step S5282 represents the affirmative judgement (YES) in the step S5246in FIG. 46.

In step S5284, whether the page numbers of the color page informationand the total page number are notified from the transmitter on thesending side or not is judged. If notified, the process will proceed tostep S5288. If not notified, the process will proceed to step S5286.

The step S5286 represents the step S5232 in FIG. 46.

In the step S5288, the page counter is incremented by one.

(Still Another Embodiment-3)

In the foregoing embodiment, it is considered that a unique signal whichindicates a color information is additionally provided only for theleading portion of the image information in the case of a colorinformation. However, this signal can be made a unique one whichindicates the color information in every part of the image information.For example, in an ECM mode, an arrangement may be made so that all theFCF is set at 06H when a two-valued information is sent while all theFCF is set at 46H when a color information is sent.

(Still Another Embodiment-4)

For the memory sending and multiple sending in the foregoing embodiment,one communication is considered for the execution of an information tobe sent. However, it may be possible to make an arrangement so that aplurality of communications are stored in the memory circuit. In thiscase, It is also necessary to make an arrangement so that the circuit5048 can store a color information or a two-valued informationcorresponding to the page numbers of plural communications.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, there isprovided means for discriminating a color information and a two-valuedinformation in a facsimile apparatus capable of reading, transmittingand recording color information, and when a receiver at a destination isequipped with the color receiving function, a color information istransmitted for the page information which is discriminated by theaforesaid discriminating means as containing a color information, whiletransmitting a two-valued information for the page information which isdiscriminated by the aforesaid discriminating means as containing atwo-valued information; if the receiver is not equipped with the colorreceiving function, a two-valued information is transmitted for all thepage information.

Here, when any color information is transmitted, an indication of colorinformation is additionally provided for the leading portion of eachpage information.

Also, when a memory sending or a multiple sending is executed, the totalpage number and page numbers of the color page information are notifiedto a receiver in the anteprocedures.

Furthermore, in a facsimile apparatus capable of color receiving andcolor recording, the color page information is recorded by a colorrecording means while the two-valued page information is recorded by atwo-valued means.

In this way, even if a color information and a two-valued informationare mixedly present, the machine makes a judgment automatically andsends a color information by the color transmission and records thecolor information; and sends a two-valued information by the two-valuedtransmission and records the two-valued information without requiringusers' setting, thus making the apparatus more useful.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if a colorinformation and a two-valued information are mixedly present, themachine makes a judgment automatically and sends a color information bythe color transmission and records the color information; and sends atwo-valued information by the two-valued transmission and records thetwo-valued information without requiring users' setting, thus making theapparatus more useful.

Particularly, according to the present embodiment, in executing a memorysending, the page number discriminated as having a color information isstored, and prior to the execution of the memory sending, such numbersthus stored are sent to the destination. Hence, there is an effect thatthe control on the receiving side becomes significantly simple.

According to the present embodiment, there is an effect that the controlon the receiving side becomes simple.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image transmitting apparatus,comprising:transmitting means capable of transmitting color imageinformation; storing means for storing addresses of a plurality ofreceiving sides together with respective information indicating, foreach stored address, whether the corresponding receiving side has ordoes not have a color receiving function; designating means fordesignating a plurality of destinations from among the plurality ofreceiving sides whose addresses are stored in said storing means;discriminating means for discriminating whether or not each of thedestinations designated by said designating means has the colorreceiving function in accordance with the information stored in saidstoring means; and notifying means for notifying that at least one ofthe destinations does not have the color receiving function, in responseto an output of said discriminating means.
 2. An image transmittingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising converting means forconverting the color image information to monochromatic imageinformation, and wherein said transmitting means transmits the colorimage information to any designated destination which has the colorreceiving function and transmits the monochromatic image information toany of the designated destinations which does not have the colorreceiving function.
 3. An image transmitting apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising means for recording a presence or an absenceof an execution of color transmission for multiple destinations as alist of results of multiple communication.
 4. An image transmittingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising converting means forreading an original to be transmitted, and converting it into colorimage data.
 5. An image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a memory means for storing a plurality of pages ofthe image data to be transmitted.
 6. An image transmitting apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the addresses are telephone numbers.
 7. Animage transmitting apparatus, comprising:transmitting means capable oftransmitting color image information; storing means for storingaddresses of a plurality of receiving sides together with respectiveinformation indicating, for each stored address, whether thecorresponding receiving side has or does not have a color receivingfunction; designating means for designating a destination fortransmission from among the plurality of receiving sides whose addressesare stored in said storing means; discriminating means fordiscriminating whether or not the destination designated by saiddesignating means has the color receiving function in accordance withthe information stored in said storing means; and notifying means fornotifying that the destination does not have the color receivingfunction, in response to an output of said discriminating means, thenotification being executed ahead of an operation of said transmittingmeans to transmit image information to the destination.
 8. An imagetransmitting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the addresses aretelephone numbers.
 9. An image transmitting method using an apparatuscapable of transmitting color image information, comprising the stepsof:storing addresses of a plurality of receiving sides together withrespective information indicating, for each stored address, whether thecorresponding receiving side has or does not have a color receivingfunction; designating a plurality of destinations from among theplurality of receiving sides whose addresses are stored; discriminatingwhether or not each of the destinations designated by said designatingstep has the color receiving function in accordance with the storedinformation; and notifying that at least one of the destinations doesnot have the color receiving function, in response to an output of saiddiscriminating step.
 10. An image transmitting method according to claim9, further comprising a converting step for converting the color imageinformation to monochromatic image information, and wherein theapparatus transmits the color image information to any designateddestination which has the color receiving function and transmits themonochromatic image information to any of the designated destinationswhich does not have the color receiving function.
 11. An imagetransmitting method according to claim 9, further comprising a recordingstep for recording a presence or an absence of an execution of colortransmission for multiple destinations as a list of results of multiplecommunication.
 12. An image transmitting method according to claim 9,further comprising a converting step for reading an original to betransmitted, and converting it into color image data.
 13. An imagetransmitting method according to claim 9, further comprising a secondstoring step for storing a plurality of pages of the image data to betransmitted.
 14. An image transmitting method according to claim 9,wherein the addresses are telephone numbers.
 15. An image transmittingmethod using an apparatus capable of transmitting color imageinformation, comprising the steps of:storing addresses of a plurality ofreceiving sides together with respective information indicating, foreach stored address, whether the corresponding receiving side has ordoes not have a color receiving function; designating a destination fortransmission from among the plurality of receiving sides whose addressesare stored; discriminating whether or not the destination designated bysaid designating step has the color receiving function in accordancewith the stored information; and notifying that the destination does nothave the color receiving function, in response to an output of saiddiscriminating step, the notification being executed ahead of anoperation of the apparatus to transmit image information to thedestination.
 16. An image transmitting method according to claim 15,wherein the addresses are telephone numbers.